Places to Shop in Newark in Summer 2013

Shop till you drop: from comic books to antiques, Newark’s shopping district has something for everyone—and then some.

By Christine Facciolo

Published: 05.06.2013

Cari Rogers (left) and Michele Bray
of Moxie Boutique

Photograph by Emily Duck

Tired of wearing the same threads as everyone else? Get your Moxie on. The cozy place boasts unique ideas, including lines by designers like Ladakh, Kerisma, Olive and Oak, and Gentle Fawn. Check out its accessories and jewelry, too.

“We’re definitely a contemporary boutique, and we take pride in being able to offer high quality pieces at great price points,” says owner Cari Rogers, who opened the shop in 2010.

Rogers has gone to great lengths to keep the inventory fresh and make the shopping experience pleasant. She travels to New York a few times a year to buy, and she rarely stocks more than one of any particular item.

“Sometimes customers get upset when they see something they want and it’s gone the next time they come in,” she says. “But they understand. You have to stand out from everybody else. That’s what you want from boutique shopping.”

Rogers offers internships to UD students interested in fashion marketing. “I come from Missouri, so I didn’t have that opportunity,” says the 34-year-old entrepreneur, who used to work in New York’s garment district. “They have really good ideas and they keep me young.” (moxiede.com)

Go retro with Clothes in the Past Lane, which offers the latest fashions with a vintage twist. (clothesinthepastlane.com)

For more than 30 years, Grassroots owner Marilyn Dickey has been traveling the world to find unique items for this family-owned gift shop. An outstanding selection of clothing, jewelry, pottery, candles, books, home decor and unusual gift ideas can be found here. (015b51f.netsolstores.com; 453-9751)

Keep those eyes protected stylishly with sunglasses from EC Shades—all the best brands and styles in one place. (ecshades.com)

Whether you need a gift for someone special or just have the urge to splurge, Heart and Home boasts a large selection of Vera Bradley handbags, plus jewelry, candles, potpourri, glassware, flags, mailbox covers, body products—even a baby section. (737-8980)

Paul and Tonya Romanick, owners of Romanick Pottery, create functional and decorative pottery, including vases, pitchers, growlers and dinnerware to sea creatures, piggy banks and tiles. Bring in a photo and they will do a whimsical sculpture of your dog—or just about anything else. (romanickpottery.com)

Step back in time for some sensational shopping at Aunt Margaret’s Antique Mall. Whether you’re looking for something from your past—or just looking—this is the place for you. Can’t find what you’re after? Check back tomorrow or add your name to a wish book. The mall’s 20 dealers will do the looking for you. (auntmargaretsantiquemall.com)

Joe Murray, owner of Captain Blue Hen Comics, strives to create a sense of community among his clientele. “This is a place where our customers feel comfortable,” he says. “We’re sort of a slightly extended family where you can come and talk about your family.” Don’t miss the shop’s annual Free Comic Book Day, which features guests, art classes and a charity food drive.
(captainbluehen.com)

It would take plenty of days—and nights—to explore fully the inventory in The Days of Knights. The shelves are filled with board and role-playing games, as well as fantasy art books, figurines and the largest selection of decorated chess sets in Delaware. What you won’t find is anything electronic.

“We’re about people, and board games are more social,” says owner John Corradin. (daysofknights.com)

► For more from the June issue, click here.
► For more from the 2013 Newark Guide, click here.
► For more shopping information, click here.